Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna (1795-1876)

Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna was born in 1795 in Xalapa, Mexico. He beccame a soldier when he was only 15, fighting in the Spanish army against the Mexican revolutionaries. Later, though, he joined forces with Agustin de Iturbide and fought for the revolution. After successfully gaining independence from Spain, Santa Anna hoped Iturbide would make him the governor of Veracruz. When Iturbide didn't, he led a revolt against him. In 1829, Spain tried to reconquer Mexico. Santa Anna's strong leadership over Mexico's army led to Spain's defeat and an increase in Santa Anna's popularity. He was elected president in 1833, but he decided not to serve his term. Instead, he joined a revolt against the Mexican government in 1834 and became a dictator. Texas, then a part of Mexico, rebelled in 1835. Santa Anna tried to put down the rebellion using military force and successfully captured the Alamo, a major Texan fort. However, when peacefully meeting with the Texan leader, his army was routed and Santa Anna was taken prisoner. While in prison, he was forced to sign a treaty officiating Texas' independence. After the treaty was issued, Santa Anna was removed from power. However, he became president again after defeating the French's attack on Veracruz. In 1844, though, another revolt against him made Santa Anna flee to Jamaica. In the Mexican-American war, Santa Anna again led the Mexican army but was badly defeated. He went back to Mexico and declared himself president for the rest of his life, but he was exiled after 2 years. He died in poverty in 1876.